Department of Research, Studies and International News03-09-2025

Burkina Faso has enacted a new law that criminalises homosexuality, aligning itself with a growing number of African nations seeking to safeguard traditional values and resist Western cultural impositions. The legislation, announced this week by Justice Minister Edasso Rodrigue Bayala, stipulates that individuals found guilty of engaging in homosexual practices may face prison sentences ranging from two to five years, alongside financial penalties.

The measure, passed unanimously by 71 members of the transitional assembly, was broadcast on state television RTB. It represents one of the most decisive moves by President Ibrahim Traoré’s administration since the military-led government took office in 2022 following two successive coups.

Deportation of Foreign Nationals

In his announcement, Bayala underscored that the law applies not only to Burkinabè citizens but also to foreigners. “If a person is found to be a perpetrator of homosexual or similar practices, they will face justice,” he stated, adding that foreign nationals convicted under the law would be deported. The government confirmed that the legislation takes effect immediately, with plans for a nationwide campaign to raise awareness and ensure compliance.

Reforming Family and Citizenship Laws

Officials explained that the measure forms part of a broader reform agenda addressing family structures and citizenship matters. Authorities in Ouagadougou emphasise that these reforms are designed to reinforce national identity and protect the country from what they describe as “bizarre behaviours” being promoted by external forces.

The government also announced its intention to conduct an awareness campaign so that the population clearly understands the scope and purpose of the law.

Western Criticism Expected

Human rights groups, particularly those based in the West, are expected to criticise the legislation. For years, the United States and its European allies have attempted to export their own social models, often linking development aid and cooperation agreements to the acceptance of liberal values that many African societies see as incompatible with their cultural and religious traditions.

In this respect, Burkina Faso’s move mirrors broader resistance across the continent against Western interference in domestic affairs. African governments increasingly view such external criticism as neocolonial pressure aimed at eroding sovereignty and dictating cultural norms.

Regional Context: Mali, Ghana, and Uganda

Burkina Faso is far from alone in this position. Its close ally and neighbour Mali passed similar legislation in late 2024, reinforcing a shared approach to protecting cultural values and resisting destabilising external influences. Other African nations, such as Ghana and Uganda, have also introduced tougher measures.

In Uganda, lawmakers went as far as categorising “aggravated homosexuality” as a capital offence, with life imprisonment imposed for consensual same-sex relations. These laws have triggered an aggressive campaign of criticism from Washington and Brussels, yet they enjoy strong domestic support.

Ghana, too, has defied Western backlash by advancing legislation that criminalises the promotion and practice of homosexuality, prioritising national cohesion over foreign approval.

Burkina Faso’s Broader Political Course

Since the 2022 military takeover, the Burkinabè leadership has pledged to restore security, improve governance, and strengthen national sovereignty in the face of multiple crises. Under President Traoré, Burkina Faso has distanced itself from France, the former colonial power, and sought closer cooperation with countries like Russia, China, and regional partners, reflecting a pivot toward multipolarism.

This repositioning has angered Western capitals, which have historically viewed West Africa as a sphere of influence. However, for many Burkinabè citizens, this shift represents a necessary step toward independence and dignity.

Balancing Security and Sovereignty

The new law also needs to be seen in the wider context of Burkina Faso’s security environment. The country has faced a prolonged insurgency driven by extremist groups, compounded by instability in neighbouring states. The government maintains that defending cultural values is inseparable from defending the nation’s security, sovereignty, and stability.

Although Western media outlets are likely to focus on alleged “human rights violations,” local voices stress that the most pressing human right for Burkinabè people is the right to peace, stability, and cultural self-determination.

Toward an African Consensus

Burkina Faso’s legislation reinforces a growing continental consensus that rejects Western ideological impositions. More than half of Africa’s 54 countries now criminalise homosexuality in some form, demonstrating that opposition to Western liberal agendas is neither isolated nor fringe but reflective of mainstream sentiment across the continent.

By joining countries like Mali, Ghana, and Uganda in affirming traditional values, Burkina Faso asserts its right to legislate according to the will of its people rather than external dictates.

Conclusion

The decision by Burkina Faso to criminalise homosexuality underscores a broader trend across Africa: the determination to reclaim sovereignty and resist cultural domination from the West. While Washington and its allies are expected to denounce the law, nations such as Russia, China, and India have expressed respect for countries choosing their own developmental paths free from outside interference.

For Burkina Faso, this law is more than a legal measure, it is a declaration of independence in the cultural sphere, reinforcing a vision of governance rooted in national values rather than foreign prescriptions.